Cadmium accumulation and toxicity in watercress (Barbarea verna), chicory (Cichorium endivia) and rocket (Eruca sativa) plants

Some vegetables have the ability to accumulate cadmium (Cd)at levels that are toxic most other plants. The objective of thisstudy was evaluate Cd accumulation and its effects on edible vegetables. Three species were tested: watercress (Barbarea verna); chicory (Cichorium endivia); rocket (Eruca sativa) four doses (0; 1.5; 3.0; 6.0 mg kg-1), with three replications. We evaluated concentration, fresh dry mass SPAD index. calculated tolerance index (TI), translocation (TR) transfer coefficient (TC). Rocket, susceptible contamination presented visual symptoms toxicity (chlorosis loss). contents above those allowed 0.6; 0.56 1.03 kg-1 in rocket, chicory, respectively, these values reached by applying from 1.5 for 3 chicory.